APRIL 24, 2021 vs. CAROLINA HURRICANES
BB&T Center | 7:00 P.M. ET
Television: Bally Sports Florida
Radio: 560 WQAM| 850 WFTL | 100.3 WCTH | 107.9/1370 WZTA | SIRIUSXM CH. 220/STREAMING CH. 932
PANTHERS vs. HURRICANES
ALL-TIME vs. CAR: 51-54-11-15
ALL-TIME HOME vs. CAR: 31-15-8-11
2020-21 vs. CAR: 1-4-2
TEAM STATS
| FLORIDA (30-13-5) | CAROLINA (31-10-5) | |
| GOALS FOR | 153 (8th most) | 146 (10th most) |
| GOALS AGAINST | 128 (14th fewest) | 108 (4th fewest) |
| POWER PLAY % | 20.8 (12th) | 27.5 (1st) |
| PENALTY KILL % | 79.4 (T-17th) | 84.1 (T-4th) |
| SHOTS FOR PER-GAME | 34.0 (2nd most) | 32.5 (5th most) |
| SHOTS AGAINST PER-GAME | 30.3 (16th fewest) | 28.4 (T-7th fewest) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % | 52.1 (10th) | 53.6 (3rd) |
| FACEOFF WIN % | 50.5 (T-13th) | 53.8 (2nd) |
CATS STATS
- The Panthers look to snap a six-game winless streak against CAR (0-4-2) as they prepare to host the Hurricanes for their final matchup of the season series. Two of Florida’s three home games against the Hurricanes this season at BB&T Center (0-1-2) were decided in shootout or overtime. The Cats have allowed at least three goals in each match-up vs. CAR this season. Aleksander Barkov has produced a team-leading four goals and eight points through the season series.
- Florida has won seven of its last eight home games (7-1-0). Over their eight home games since March 20, the Panthers own an 84.2 home penalty kill percentage and have out-scored their opponents 28-12. Over the Cats’ last eight games, Anthony Duclair (1-7-8) and Frank Vatrano (5-3-8) have posted a team-leading eight points, while Vatrano and Aleksander Barkov have led the club with five goals each.
- The owner of the NHL’s longest active “ironman” streak (914), Keith Yandle is expected to play in his 915th consecutive regular season game tonight, surpassing Garry Unger for the second longest consecutive games streak in NHL history. The 34-year-old is four points shy of his 600th NHL point and six assists away from his 500th NHL assist.
- Aleksander Barkov has produced eight goals and 11 points (8-3-11) over his last 11 games and four points (3-1-4) over his last four. He has scored three goals over his last two games. With a two-goal game on April 22 vs. CAR, Barkov became the first Panthers player to reach the 20- goal mark this season. Barkov has registered at least 20 goals in six consecutive seasons.
- Barkov leads FLA in goals (21), even-strength goals (15-tied), even-strength points (32-tied) and shots on goal (155), while ranking second on the club in points (48), assists (27) and takeaways (32-tied). He owns a team-best 54.9 faceoff win percentage and 58.8 5v5 shot attempt percentage, while averaging 21:18 TOI per game, the most among all FLA forwards. Barkov has produced 26 points (9-17-26) over 27 career games vs. CAR and has scored two goals in two of this last three games against CAR.
- Jonathan Huberdeau ranks first on FLA in points (50), assists (34) and power-play points (19). He has registered points in each of his last six games (2-6-8) and with a point tonight he can tie MacKenzie Weegar for the longest point streak by a Panthers player this season (seven games, March 7- 20). Over his six game-point streak, Huberdeau owns a +8 rating, seven takeaways and a 14.3 shooting percentage. With an assist on April 22 vs. CAR, Huberdeau recorded his 50th point of the season, becoming the second Central Division player this season to reach the 50-point mark. Huberdeau has recorded 50 points in a season six times in his career. Huberdeau has registered 26 points (9-17-26) over 30 career games vs. CAR.
- Anthony Duclair enters tonight’s game with points in seven of his last eight games, amassing 10 points in that span (3-7-10), including points in four of his five games (2-6-8) since he returned to the lineup from injury on April 13 at DAL. Over Duclair’s last eight games, he owns a +12 rating, and has registered all 10 of his points at even-strength. The native of Pointe-Claire, Quebec, owns a +19 rating this season, the second-highest on FLA.
- Sam Bennett has registered five points (3-2-5) and 15 hits over his first four games with Florida and has scored three goals over his last three games. Bennett is the third Panthers player this season and the 12th in franchise history to record at least one point in each of his first three games with the club, joining Patric Hornqvist and Carter Verhaeghe. In his Panthers debut on April 17 at TBL, the 24-year-old registered two assists, a +3 rating and five hits. Acquired from CGY on April 12, Bennett has recorded points in seven of his last eight games played, amassing 10 points over that span (3-7-10).
- Frank Vatrano enters tonight’s game with four points (2-2-4) over his last four games and has produced seven goals and 10 points over his last 12 games. The 27-year-old native of East Longmeadow, Mass., leads the Cats with six game-winning goals and ranks tied for second on FLA in goals (17), while tied for first in even-strength goals (15). Vatrano is three goals shy of his second career season with at least 20 goals.
- Sergei Bobrovsky has posted five wins over his last eight starts, logging a .921 save percentage and .932 even-strength save percentage over that span. He is five wins shy of his 300th NHL win, joining Evgeni Nabokov (353) and Nikolai Khabibulin (333) as only the third Russian-born goaltender to earn 300 wins in the NHL. Bobrovsky’s 17 wins on the season rank tied for sixth in the NHL.
- Patric Hornqvist leads FLA with eight power play goals and ranks fourth on the Panthers with 32 points (14-18-32). Hornqvist has produced points in each of his last four games played (2-2-4).
- Brandon Montour tallied his first goal with FLA on April 17 at TBL. Over five games with the Panthers, Montour has averaged 19:18 TOI and has posted a +6 rating, seven shots, 11 hits, five blocked shots and six takeaways.
- Nikita Gusev has recorded three assists over his first five games with the Panthers and has notched helpers in each of his last two games. The 28-yearold former KHL MVP has logged 12 shots on goal over his five-game span with FLA and owns a 59.7 5v5 SAT percentage.
- Radko Gudas leads the NHL in hits (213), averaging 4.53 hits per game and ranks tied for second on FLA in blocked shots (59).
- Markus Nutivaara has registered five assists over his last six games. Over that span, Nutivaara owns a +6 rating and 16 shots on goal.
- Over his last 13 games, Gustav Forsling has recorded six points (1-5-6), 24 shots on goal, eight takeaways and a +11 rating, while averaging 21:05 TOI. Over that span, Forsling’s +11 rating is tied for third in the NHL among defensemen.
- MacKenzie Weegar ranks tied for fourth among NHL defensemen this season in even-strength points (23) and second in takeaways (32). His +18 rating ranks third on FLA. He leads FLA in blocked shots (62) and ranks second on the club in hits (101). Weegar’s career-high 25 points and 22 assists lead all FLA defensemen.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
– April 17: F Cole Schwindt, F Scott Wilson reassigned from SYR to Taxi Squad, F Aleksi Heponiemi, D Lucas Carlsson, D Brady Keeper reassigned from Taxi Squad to SYR
– April 15: D Brandon Montour, D Noah Juulsen activated to active roster
– April 13: F Sam Bennett, F Nikita Gusev added to active roster, F Anthony Duclair activated from IR, F Lucas Wallmark, G Spencer Knight
recalled from Taxi Squad, D Kevin Connauton loaned to Taxi Squad
– April 12: F Sam Bennett and 2022 6th round pick acquired from CGY in exchange for F Emil Heineman and a 2022 2nd round pick
– April 11: F Nikita Gusev signed to a 1-year contract
– April 10: D Brandon Montour acquired from BUF in exchange for 2021 3rd round pick, D Kevin Connauton recalled from Taxi Squad, D Brady Keeper loaned to Taxi Squad
FLA-CAR CONNECTIONS
- FLA forward Eetu Luostarinen was selected by CAR in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft. He played eight games for CAR, producing one assist.
- FLA defenseman Gustav Forsling played 57 games (2019-20) for CAR’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, registering 26 points (8-18-26).
- FLA forward Lucas Wallmark was selected by CAR in the fourth round (97th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. He played 160 games (2016-17 to 2019-20) for CAR, recording 54 points (22-32-54).
- CAR forward Vincent Trocheck was selected by FLA in the third round (64th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. He played 420 games (2013-14 to 2019-20) for FLA, amassing 282 points (111-171-282).
- CAR goaltender James Reimer appeared in 123 games for FLA, posting a 53-42-16 record, .912 save percentage, and 2.85 goals against average.
- CAR forward Drew Shore was selected by FLA in the second round (44th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. He played 67 games (2012-13 to 2013-14) for FLA, posting 20 points (8-12-20).
- CAR forward Teuvo Teravainen played under FLA Head Coach Joel Quenneville with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning a Stanley Cup in 2015.
- FLA defenseman Anton Stralman and CAR forward Jesper Fast were teammates on NYR (2013-14), including an appearance in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.
- FLA defensemen Anton Stralman (2014-15 to 2017-18) and Radko Gudas (2013-14 to 2014-15) were teammates with CAR forward Cedric Paquette on TBL.
- FLA forward Frank Vatrano and CAR defenseman Brady Skjei were teammates on Team USA at the 2012 IIHF U-18 World Junior Championships, earning Gold Medals.
- FLA forward Juho Lammikko and CAR forward Sebastian Aho were teammates on Team Finland at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships, earning Gold Medals.
- FLA Assistant to the General Manager Blake Geoffrion and CAR defenseman Jake Gardiner were teammates at the University of Wisconsin (2008-09).
- FLA Assistant General Manager Paul Krepelka served as Vice President of Hockey Operations for CAR from 2018-19 to 2019-20.
- FLA Senior Advisor to the General Manager Rick Dudley Served as Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for CAR from 2018-19 to 2019-20. He began his front office career in the ACHL with the Carolina Thunderbirds, serving as Owner, General Manager and Head Coach for four seasons (1982-83 to 1985-86).
- FLA Head Coach Joel Quenneville played 457 games (1983-84 to 1989-90) for the Hartford Whalers, recording 95 points (25-70-95).
- FLA Assistant Coach Ulf Samuelsson played 463 games (184-85 to 1990-91) for the Hartford Whalers, registering 175 points (31-144-175).
- FLA Director of Amateur Scouting Shane Churla played 22 games (1986-87 to 1987-88) for the Hartford Whalers, producing one assist.
- CAR Assistant Coach Jeff Daniels played 10 games for FLA (1993-94 to 1994-95).
- CAR Development Coach Sergei Samsonov played 20 games (2010-11) for FLA, notching 14 points (3-11-14).
CHASING FRANCHISE HISTORY
| Franchise Goals | Franchise Assists | Franchise Points |
| 1. Olli Jokinen (188) | 1. Jonathan Huberdeau (323) | 1. Jonathan Huberdeau (487) |
| 2. Aleksander Barkov (176) | 2. Aleksander Barkov (279) | 2. Aleksander Barkov (455) |
| 3. Jonathan Huberdeau (164) | 3. Stephen Weiss (249) | 3. Olli Jokinen (419) |
| 4. Scott Mellanby (157) | 4. Olli Jokinen (231) | 4. Stephen Weiss (394) |
| 5. Pavel Bure (152) | 5. Robert Svehla (229) | 5. Scott Mellanby (354) |
PANTHERS LEADERS
Games Played: 4 Players (48)
Goals: Barkov (21)
Assists: Huberdeau (34)
Points: Huberdeau (50)
Power-Play Goals: Hornqvist (8)
Power-Play Points: Huberdeau (19)
Shorthanded Goals: Barkov/Verhaeghe (1)
Shorthanded Points: Barkov/Acciari/Weegar/Verhaeghe (1)
Shots: Barkov (155)
PIM: Weegar (41)
+/-: Verhaeghe (+23)
Faceoff Win % (Min. 100 faceoffs): Barkov (54.9)
Blocked Shots: Weegar (62)
Hits: Gudas (213)
TOI/GP: Ekblad (25:05)
PP TOI/GP: Yandle (4:23)
SH TOI/GP: Acciari (2:45)
Wins: Bobrovsky (17)
Shutouts: Driedger (2)
ACTIVE STREAKS
Goal Streak Barkov (2 Games, 3 Goals)
Assist Streak Huberdeau (3 Games, 4 Assists)
Point Streak Huberdeau (6 Games, 2-6-8), Barkov (2 Games, 3-0-3), Gusev (2 Games, 0-2-2)
TONIGHT AT BB&T CENTER
- Tonight is Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fans attending tonight’s game are encouraged to wear purple at BB&T Center, and to share their experiences and connections with the night using ‘I Fight For’ cards at socially distant tables located right inside main doors or by sharing on social media @FlaPanthers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will also be giving out a limited number of rally towels to fans in attendance. To claim, visit the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center table on the main concourse. The Florida Panthers Foundation will award Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center a $25,000 donation to support their cancer research in the South Florida community.
- Prior to puck drop, two-time cancer survivor and musical theater enthusiast Molly Oldham will sing the National Anthem prior to the game. Molly was diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic ependymoma in August 2019, had a recurrence in January 2021 and received her final chemotherapy treatment last week.
- During warmups, players will wear special purple Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys and utilize exclusive pucks that will be available on FlaTeamShop.com following the game.
- Tonight, fans will be able to give back to the Florida Panthers Foundation through the 50/50 raffle. Fans at BB&T Center can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets at select kiosks throughout the arena or online for fans who are within a 75-mile radius of the game at FlaPanthers5050.com and in the Florida Panthers mobile application. Ticket prices include: 5 for $10, 20 for $20, 80 for $40, and 300 for $100.
- Contactless, Mobile Food Ordering is now available for all games at BB&T Center. The Florida Panthers are offering fans safe and convenient purchasing experiences while at the BB&T Center, enabling mobile ordering through the NHL league-wide app, and contactless purchases and payments via self-service kiosks and user-friendly Clover devices at concession stands throughout the arena. Learn more at FloridaPanthers.com/MobileOrdering.
- The BB&T Center is the first National Hockey League Building to Achieve Well Health-Safety Certification. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. The Florida Panthers & BB&T Center guests can expect:
- WELL Certified and improved cleaning procedures throughout the building
- Routine maintenance and improved air filtration through arena
- Emergency response plan and protocols
- Robust safety plans for employee health and wellness
PANTHERS COMMUNITY HEROES
- City Furniture Military Hero: Wesley Ash
Tonight’s Hero Among Us is Vietnam War Veteran, Wesley Ash. Wesley served two years in the U.S. Army which included a deployment to South Vietnam. He is the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
- BB&T (Now Truist) Territory Teammate: Lisa Merheb
GREAT MOMENTS IN PANTHERS HISTORY
April 24, 1996: John Vanbiesbrouck stopped 40 of 42 BOS shots as the Cats downed the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at the FleetCenter to take a 3-0 series lead. Jody Hull tallied two goals and Tom Fitzgerald registered two assists in the Panthers’ first playoff road victory in club history.
